She’s collaborated with Carole King and Bette Midler, counted Elizabeth Taylor as one of her closest friends, and was a vital player in the music industry for more than three decades. Her candid new book, They’re Playing Our Song, recounts her days as a music hit maker.

Janis Joplin is remembered for her brassy swagger, but her true personality was completely hidden from her fans. Inspired to learn more after watching the new Joplin documentary, Little Girl Blue, Sheila Weller interviews some of the friends who knew the singer best.